Dog health care is as important as human health care. We spend a lot of money for our health care, because it is vital. Our dogs deserve the same attention and seriousness when it comes to their health care.

People sometimes do not realize it, but dogs also suffer from the same illnesses and ailments that we humans do. They can be diagnosed with arthritis, diabetes, cancer, even depression. Dogs can be depressed too, you know! They can also suffer from unique conditions like heartworm and kennel cough.

Here are some dog health conditions that may threaten your dog’s health:

• Food and skin allergies – itchy and inflamed skin around the dog’s face, ears, feet, and armpit folds are common signs of food allergies. Weeds, grass, and some type of dog shampoos can also cause dermatological problems.
• Bladder control – dogs that lose control of their bladders should have a veterinarian examine their blood and urine, as they may suffer from infection, chronic kidney failure, or diabetes.
• Breathing problems – intense wheezing, panting, intense coughing and gasping could indicate breathing problems. Dogs with breathing problems could have any of these conditions: heart disease, respiratory infection, or heartworm.
• High blood pressure – also known as canine hypertension. Though not very common in dogs, this condition can lead to other health problems like, kidney damage or blindness.

As you can see, there are some similarities between dogs and humans when it comes to diseases and illnesses. We all know how these conditions can affect our lives. Our canine buddies suffer the same as we do when they have any of these conditions. Other dog health care problems include eye problems, hearing problems, joint pain, general pain, lameness, and anxieties.

Knowing about the health care conditions that our beloved pets may suffer from, we realize that a dog’s life is as fragile as human life, or any life for that matter. The health conditions mentioned above may seem scary; but there are preventive measures you can take to keep your pooch healthy.

• Neutering or spaying your dog – spaying (removal of ovaries and uterus) your female dog can reduce the risk of uterine infections and mammary gland cancer. Neutering (removal of testicles) your male dog can eliminate prostate problems and testicular cancer. For best possible preventive dog health care, both procedures should be carried out by six months of age.
• Weight control – supervising your dog’s weight may lead to longer and healthier life. It can also deflect conditions like diabetes and osteoarthritis.
• Dental care – 80% of dogs put up with oral diseases. Annual dental visits and cleaning your dog’s teeth at home, at least three times a week, will keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy.

These preventive solutions are essential for dog health care. As they say, prevention is the best solution. There are other prevention measures you can apply, such as visiting your dog’s veterinarian regularly and giving your dog core and non-core vaccinations. Although nothing is for sure in this world, you can be certain that you’ve done your best to protect your canine friend from diseases and other debilitating ailments. Sometimes that’s all it takes.